Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding dresses can be made longer, but it is not recommended to order a custom length. While it is possible to make a dress longer, it is more complicated than making it shorter. Fabric can always be cut away, but lengthening a dress requires extra fabric. Wedding dresses are often designed with extra fabric in the seam allowances, which can be used to make the dress bigger, but this is not always the case, especially with second-hand dresses. The safest option is to order a standard-length dress and then have it hemmed during alterations to the desired length.
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dress length and heel height
It is generally recommended to order a wedding dress eight months to one year before the wedding day. However, the specific heel height and type of shoe may not be known at this early stage. Therefore, it is advisable to order the standard length dress and then have it hemmed during alterations closer to the wedding date. This allows for flexibility in shoe choice and avoids the risk of the dress being too short or too long.
When deciding on heel height, several factors come into play. Firstly, comfort is essential. The bride should choose a heel height that they are confident walking in and that aligns with their usual shoe choices. Lower heels, such as kitten heels or block heels, provide a subtle lift while offering more stability and comfort. Taller heels, such as 3-4 inch pumps, are a popular choice but may not be suitable for those unaccustomed to wearing them. Very high heels, such as 5-6 inch styles, are only recommended for experienced heel wearers as they can be challenging to walk in.
Additionally, the bride's height and that of their partner may influence heel height choices. Some brides may not want to appear taller than their partner, so they opt for lower heels or even flats. It is also worth considering the surface on which the wedding will take place. Walking on grass or carpet in high heels can be challenging, and the heel may sink into the ground, affecting stability and potentially causing damage to the heel.
Ultimately, the decision of wedding dress length and heel height should consider comfort, practicality, and personal style. Ordering the standard length dress and adjusting it during alterations based on the chosen heel height is a safe approach that allows for flexibility and ensures the bride looks and feels her best on the big day.
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Seam allowance adjustments
Wedding dresses can be made longer through seam allowance adjustments, which involve letting out the dress to accommodate a larger size. Most wedding dresses are designed with extra fabric along the seams, allowing for adjustments. The amount that a dress can be let out depends on the original construction and the available seam allowance, with more flexibility in larger sizes due to the extra fabric. Typically, there is a seam down each side under the arm, and each of these seams can be let out by around 1-2 cm. This method is most effective when only minor adjustments are required to increase the size of the dress.
It is important to note that stitch marks from the original seam lines may be visible on delicate fabrics, but this issue can often be mitigated. Additionally, the colour of the fabric in the seam may differ from the rest of the dress, making it obvious that alterations have been made. If there is insufficient fabric to let out the dress, discreet panels can be added to increase the length and size.
When considering seam allowance adjustments, it is crucial to consult a professional seamstress or tailor. They can assess the feasibility of modifications and provide guidance on the best course of action without compromising the integrity of the dress. Certain fabrics, such as chiffon or organza, may be more challenging to alter significantly compared to more forgiving materials like satin or lace.
It is also worth mentioning that while fabric can always be cut away from a dress to shorten it, it cannot be added back. Therefore, it is generally recommended to buy a dress that is slightly larger to allow for alterations and ensure a perfect fit. This is especially important when ordering a custom length dress based on specific shoe choices, as changing your mind about the shoe height may result in the dress being too short.
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Corset backs
A wedding dress can be made longer by adding a corset back. This is a lace-up back, often seen in corsets. It allows the wearer to tighten or loosen the dress as needed, resulting in a more accurate fit.
To add a corset back to a wedding dress, you will need to first remove any zippers or hooks and measure the back opening length. Decide how close together you want your loops to be and cut your lacing accordingly. For example, if you want your loops to be 1 inch apart, you will need to cut your lacing into 2.5-inch segments.
Next, cut interfacing strips that are 1 inch wide by the length of your opening and fold them in half lengthwise to make them sturdier. Sew each lacing segment onto the interfacing, creating loops in each marked space.
If you are using fabric to create the loops, cut 1.5-inch wide fabric strips on the bias. Fold one of the longer strips in half lengthwise with the right sides together and sew the loops onto the dress, ensuring that they are sandwiched between the main fabric and the lining.
Finally, lace up the corset and enjoy the perfect fit of your wedding dress!
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Modesty panels
A modesty panel is a feature of a wedding dress that can be used to make the dress bigger and is particularly useful if the dress is too small. It is a panel of fabric that sits underneath the lacing, covering the back to just below the hip. It is typically supplied with snap fasteners for attachment to the dress, and can be made from various materials, such as duchess satin, tulle, or chiffon. Modesty panels are available in different lengths and widths to accommodate different dress sizes and can be custom-made to order.
The process of adding a modesty panel to a wedding dress involves measuring the back opening length (the length of the zipper) and the width of the gap at the neckline. It is important to choose the closest size without adding extra width or length to the measurements. The modesty panel will be slightly larger than the measurements to ensure it can be attached inside the dress.
When considering alterations to a wedding dress, it is recommended to consult a professional seamstress or tailor. They can assess the feasibility of modifications and advise on the best course of action. In some cases, a modesty panel may not be the best solution, and other alteration techniques may be more suitable, such as seam allowance adjustments or adding a corset back.
Overall, modesty panels offer a flexible and adjustable way to increase the size of a wedding dress, ensuring the bride feels comfortable and confident on their special day.
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Ordering custom lengths
When ordering a custom-length wedding dress, it is important to consider the type of shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day. If you opt for a custom length based on a specific heel height, changing your mind about the shoes could result in the dress being too short. Fabric can always be cut away, but length cannot be added, so it may be advisable to order the standard length and then have the dress adjusted during alterations. This will ensure the perfect length based on your chosen shoes.
Some bridal designers charge an extra fee for ordering a custom hem length. Even if this is included in the dress's cost, alterations may still be needed. Ordering a custom length can add an extra layer of complexity and cost to the process, so it is worth considering the standard length to avoid unnecessary stress.
If you are considering a custom length, it is essential to plan ahead and allow ample time for adjustments. Ordering your wedding dress eight months to one year before the wedding is recommended. This timeframe accounts for potential alterations and ensures that your dress will be ready well in advance of the big day.
When deciding on the length, consider the type of fabric and the number of layers in your wedding dress. If your dress has layers of crinoline, for example, the lining should be hemmed just above your foot, with each layer gradually getting longer until you reach the outermost top layer. This ensures that the fabric does not roll under your foot and that you can walk comfortably.
Additionally, keep in mind that your chosen shoes will impact the final length. If you opt for a taller heel, the dress may need to be adjusted accordingly. It is always better to have a little extra length that can be hemmed than to have a dress that is too short.
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Frequently asked questions
It is generally not recommended to order a wedding dress with a custom length, as it may end up being too short if you change your mind about your shoes. Fabric can always be cut away, but it cannot be added back. The safest option is to order the standard length and then hem the dress during alterations to the length you need.
Wedding dresses are designed with extra fabric along the seams, allowing for adjustments. A skilled seamstress can work with these seam allowances to let out the dress. The amount that a dress can be let out depends on the original construction and the available seam allowance.
One way to make a wedding dress longer is to add a corset back. Discreet panels can also be added to make the dress bigger.
It is recommended to place your order for your wedding dress eight months to one year before your wedding day. This is because a lot can change while you are waiting for your dress to arrive. You may change your mind about your bridal accessories or shoes, which could affect the length of your dress.
